If you’re driving down 371 or hitting the Glory Road intersection in Baxter, you basically can’t miss it. The massive sign. The familiar green. For locals and the weekend cabin crowd, Hobby Lobby in Brainerd MN—or more accurately, the Baxter location—is a bit of a polarizing landmark.
Some people treat it like a creative sanctuary. Others find the layout a maze of "live, laugh, love" signs they never asked for. But honestly? If you’re looking for a specific shade of teal yarn or a frame for that weirdly sized print you bought at an estate sale in Nisswa, this is usually the first place you end up.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Technically, if you put "Brainerd" into your GPS, you might end up circling downtown. The store is actually situated at 7352 Glory Road, Suite 100, in the heart of the Baxter retail hub. It's right near the Baxter Village area, sharing the neighborhood with the usual suspects like Target and Fleet Farm.
This isn't just a "craft store." It’s 50,000+ square feet of pure sensory overload.
Because it’s the primary hub for the entire Brainerd Lakes Area, it gets busy. If you go on a Saturday afternoon when the weather is crummy and the lake is a no-go, expect lines. Long ones. The store serves a massive radius—people come from Crosby, Pequot Lakes, and even Aitkin because, frankly, there isn't much else of this scale until you hit St. Cloud or Bemidji.
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The Weird Schedule Quirk
Let’s talk about the Sunday thing.
It’s 2026, and Hobby Lobby still keeps its doors locked on Sundays. You’ve probably seen the frustrated cars idling in the parking lot on a Sunday morning. If you’re a "weekend warrior" crafter, you have to plan.
Standard Hours for the Baxter Location:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (Always)
If you run out of hot glue on a Sunday, you’re basically out of luck unless you want to scavenge at a big-box retailer. It’s part of the brand’s identity, but for a tourist town like Brainerd where Sunday is a "shopping day" before heading back to the Twin Cities, it’s a frequent point of annoyance for visitors.
Hobby Lobby in Brainerd MN: Navigating the Chaos
Walking into this store is an experience. You’re immediately hit by the scent of cinnamon brooms (if it’s anywhere near autumn) or overwhelming floral plastic.
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The store is roughly divided into zones, though the transitions can feel blurry. You’ve got:
- The Floral Jungle: Fake eucalyptus as far as the eye can see.
- Home Decor: This is where the Baxter store shines. Because so many locals are outfitting lake cabins, the "rustic" and "coastal" sections are massive.
- The Yarn and Fabric Wall: Located way in the back. If you’re a knitter, this is your zone. They carry their own brand, Yarn Bee, which people either love for the price or find a bit "meh" compared to high-end wools.
- Custom Framing: This is actually one of the more underrated services at this location. They do decent work, and there’s almost always a 50% off sale on frames.
Pro tip: Don't buy anything at full price. Seriously. Their sale rotation is as predictable as a Minnesota winter. One week it’s 40% off all ribbon, the next it’s paper crafts. If what you want isn't on sale, just wait seven days.
The "New" 2026 Reality
Lately, the retail landscape in the Lakes Area has shifted. With more people moving to Brainerd full-time (thanks, remote work!), the demand for "DIY" home renovation supplies at Hobby Lobby has skyrocketed. You’ll see people buying massive quantities of "Master’s Touch" acrylics not just for canvas, but for painting old furniture or cabin signs.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shopping Here
People assume it’s just for grandmas and scrapbookers.
Actually, the Brainerd location has a surprisingly deep Model and Hobby section. If you’re into Gundam, RC cars, or those incredibly detailed wooden 3D puzzles, it’s actually one of the better spots in Crow Wing County to find them.
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Another misconception? The "Hobby Lobby App" coupon.
Gone.
It’s been gone for years. They replaced the 40% off single-item coupon with more frequent "everyday" sales. Some people are still bitter about it. You’ll still see customers at the Baxter checkout trying to pull up a screenshot of a 2019 coupon. Save yourself the awkwardness—it won't work.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to the Hobby Lobby in Brainerd MN, here is how to handle it like a pro:
- Avoid the 11:00 AM Saturday rush. That’s when every cabin owner in the county decides they need a new wreath. Go on Tuesday nights around 6:30 PM. It’s a ghost town.
- Check the "Wedding" aisle for party supplies. Even if you aren't getting married, their "wedding" section has way better plates, napkins, and streamers than the actual "party" section.
- The Clearance Wall. In the Baxter store, it’s usually tucked toward the back-right corner (near the fabric). You can find 90% off seasonal items if you’re willing to dig through the broken ceramic birds.
- Download the store map mentally. Floral is left, Home Decor is middle, Crafts/Hobby are right. Fabric is the far back wall. Knowing this saves you 20 minutes of wandering.
The Brainerd/Baxter retail scene is small but mighty. While Hobby Lobby has its quirks—and a very specific corporate culture—it remains the "big kahuna" for creatives in the 218. Just remember to bring your patience for the checkout line and maybe a coffee from the Caribou across the street.
To make the most of your trip, check their online weekly ad before you leave the house. Since the 40% coupon is a thing of the past, matching your shopping list to the current "50% Off" categories is the only way to avoid overpaying. If you're looking for high-end professional art supplies, consider checking if the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd has any local workshops or niche supplies first, as Hobby Lobby leans more toward the "entry-level" hobbyist.